Dipo Olowookere
By Nneka Okumazie
When Ebola befell parts of Africa, a half decade ago, it looked from afar like problems are meant for those people.
There were all kinds of words and thoughts at the situation, with assumptions of how they – may be – culpable.
It got really bad – it was hard to differentiate external efforts of sympathy or mockery.
But today, with the world in lockdown, and the most protected of places on standstill, it shows what tragedy those in the Ebola zone faced.
This ravaging coronavirus scares the good and the bad. It scares those who aren’t infected and what the prognosis might be if they became. It also scares those infected, if it’d be fatal.
The uncertainty exceeds epidemiological knowledge. The coronavirus anxiety has added to other anxieties – leaving many unbalanced.
There are lots of known people sending out – Christianity – prayers.
But the association of anyone does not validate Christianity. Christ, the saviour, validates those who come to Him – by grace.
The word of God is a standard for everyone that calls on the name of the Lord. That standard is the higher calling for all – laity, or not.
In life, people often want things, but not the word of God.
The pursuits are what to own, feel or display, as they are markers for what success means in this world.
But the word of God, studying, being inspired and obedience, is not what looks like an achievement, so not often regarded.
Many chase results, positions, power, travels, relationships, etc. Some get it, some don’t, but the pursuits can be crushing because it is not in their control and sometimes takes more than ethical.
These pursuits sometimes bring depression, divorce, breakups, bitterness, hate, wickedness, confusion, emptiness, loneliness, despicable alliances, etc.
But regardless of the possessions, everything lasts whilst life’s pulse is on.
The Bible transcends this life – exceeding the highs and lows of career, health, academics, relationships, politics, business, technology, stock market, etc.
The scriptures that human reasoning may assume is not an achievement is associated with qualification for the world to come.
So, rather than chase things that can fail, or depend on things not in one’s control, or feel better than others because of some advantage or privilege that ends on earth, it is better to pursue the word of God that [is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.]
This busy world that looked like could never do without some stuff is fine – without those and many seek refuge.
[Proverbs 21:31, The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord]
